It’s the night before your big trip and you’re cramming things into a suitcase with nervous anticipation. You think, “surely I’m forgetting something,” and likely you are, but you won’t know it until you reach the hotel. That’s when you realize your contact lenses are nowhere to be found. Even the most basic essentials can be stressful to remember, but this is no ordinary trip – this is BCCF Chorfest 2017, which will require a bit of extra luggage space for sheet music and stage clothes! That’s why we’ve compiled a packing list to get you started. (Chorally-speaking, that is. You’re still on your own for socks and underwear…)

1. Good walking shoes

Victoria is a great city for walking, and chances are you might like to do some exploring in the areas surrounding our rehearsal and performance venues – not to mention the occasional excursion to a restaurant, bar, or tourist attraction. A good, solid pair of shoes is a must!

2. Your Chorfest music

This is the stuff we mailed to you right after you registered so you could get a good jump on your parts. (Hint, hint; nudge, nudge!) But even if you have your scores memorized to the letter, make sure you bring them with you for those obligatory rehearsal notes and composer autographs!

3. A black binder or choral folder

In recent years, the humble three-ring binder has been all but replaced by its sleeker cousin, ‘The Black Folder’ (but even a Duo-Tang will do the job in a pinch!) If you don’t own any of these fancy contraptions, never fear – you’ll be able to purchase one while onsite from Musicfolder.com.

4. A reusable water bottle

Consider your environmental footprint and bring a reusable bottle for all that water you’ll be guzzling throughout the weekend. Recyclable bottles aren’t nearly as practical and ethical as a Nalgene bottle and you won’t want that weighing on your conscience as you belt out Vaughn Williams’ Serenade to Music… will you?

5. A coffee mug

See above, except replace “water” with “coffee” and “Nalgene bottle” with “thermos.”

6. A pencil and pencil sharpener

Sure, we have boxes upon boxes of turquoise Chorfest pencils waiting for your arrival, but it’s always good to bring a spare! A small sharpener (with a catcher attached) is also a very good idea. The ones without the catchers are fine too, but after a while the stage starts looking like the bottom of a hamster cage…

7. An umbrella

Rain?! In Victoria?! No way! This is purely for sun protection while watching Canada’s only Victoria Day Parade, which takes place the day after our Gala Concert!

8. YOUR choir’s performance outfit

For performances, it’s a long-standing Chorfest tradition to wear whatever your choir would wear back home – but really, you can wear whatever you’re most comfortable in. (Basic black always works.) And don’t forget your fancy shoes!

9. Your cell phone

A smartphone is ideal for capturing memories, taking selfies, and updating your friends about the amazing experience known as Chorfest. Make sure to use the hashtag #Chorfest2017 so we can find you on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! (And don’t forget your charger!)

10. A selfie stick

This is optional, but recommended in the case that your arms aren’t quite long enough to get all 400+ participants into a single photo.